The primary objective of this research is to assess the occurrence, variability and underlying causes of treating pediatric patients with respiratory infections at the ED. This is done in order to identify and ultimately de-implement ineffective…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Infections - pathogen unspecified
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
- Other intervention
N.a.
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
<p>This is a descriptive study, the primary outcomes include the frequency of resource utilization in terms of the performance of diagnostic tests (e.g. RVTs, laboratory test and chest X-rays performed yes/no) and applied therapeutic interventions (nebulization and type of antibiotic prescription).</p>
Secondary outcome
<p>As secondary outcome patterns in reasoning and decision-making processes regarding resource utilization will be analyzed.</p>
Background summary
Ensuring that children who present to the Emergency Department (ED) receive appropriate care is of great importance. On the other hand, it is critical to avoid excessive care, particularly in the form of unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Such procedures can be traumatic for, especially pediatric, patients and may contribute to rising healthcare costs and increased ED crowding. Next to that, excessive testing may lead to clinically irrelevant findings and induce additional testing and interventions. Despite this, there is limited knowledge regarding the extent and reasoning behind the performance of unnecessary resource use for pediatric patients in the ED setting.
Study objective
The primary objective of this research is to assess the occurrence, variability and underlying causes of treating pediatric patients with respiratory infections at the ED. This is done in order to identify and ultimately de-implement ineffective practices.
Study design
We will perform a 2 week nationwide observational cross-sectional study using a flash mob design.
Intervention
N.v.t.
Study burden and risks
There is no additional burden or risk to the patient as data collection will include only data collected within routine clinical practice; no additional information will be asked of patients. Also, all data will be anonymized so that individual personal data will not be traceable.
R. Oostenbrink
Dr. Molewaterplein 40
Rotterdam 3015 GD
Netherlands
010-704 0704
FOCUSstudie@erasmusmc.nl
R. Oostenbrink
Dr. Molewaterplein 40
Rotterdam 3015 GD
Netherlands
010-704 0704
FOCUSstudie@erasmusmc.nl
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Consecutive sampling will be used to recruit a broad range of participants which would represent the population of children who present to the ED with respiratory infections. In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all of the following criteria:
All patients <18 years of age with fever or a history of fever and respiratory complaints (coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, SpO2 <94%, chest wall retractions, tachypnea, runny nose, sore throat, or some other suspicion of respiratory infection) visiting a participating pediatric ED during a continuous two-week period in January 2026.
Also, all physicians treating the included children will be invited to participate. This includes physicians who, possibly under supervision, make key decisions regarding the provided care to these patients. Their inclusion is essential to assess factors influencing clinical decision-making.
Exclusion criteria
A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: patients immediately transferred to the pediatric intensive care or patients requiring immediate lifesaving interventions.
For treating physicians there are no exclusion criteria.
Design
Recruitment
Medical products/devices used
IPD sharing statement
Plan description
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| Research portal | NL-009504 |